Vega Senator 5-String Open Back Banjo, 1925

For many years, the Vega company was a prominent musical instrument builder, and the Vega Senator 5-string open back banjo was a typical offering. Market and management changes led to Vega’s decline, and the name has now become a valued Deering brand, recalling the historic banjos of the early part of the 20th century.

Built on a pot just shy of 11 inches and 26 brackets, the Vega Senator 5-String featured a maple rim paired with a Mahogany neck, and an ‘ebonized’ or dyed Maple fingerboard.

This particular example dates to 1925 and is in good working order, with new ABM planetary tuners. A case is included – not original, but from the period and relined in modern times.

Here’s how the Vega Senator was described in a late 1920’s catalog, according to Banjo Hangout:

“Senator (“regular” 5 string only): mahogany neck, ebonized maple bound fingerboard, spun nickel over 1/4″ steel wire “for head to rest on”, hex nuts, GROOVED brass tension hoop, blackened bottom of rim bound on outside, brown finish. Patent friction pegs, No Knot tailpiece. 10 3/4″ rim.”